The Los Alamitos High track team hosted Laguna Hills at a duel track meet on Wednesday, March 19 at the John Barnes Sports Complex, where a full crowd of parents, teachers, and spectators watched featured races.
The Los Alamitos High track team hosted Laguna Hills at a duel track meet on Wednesday, March 19 at the John Barnes Sports Complex, where a full crowd of parents, teachers, and spectators watched featured races.
The female Griffins varsity runners showcased their talent in the 400-meter run and their male counterparts legged the 800-meter event.
Sophmore Ashley Willingham had just missed setting a school record in the 400 last week, and remained focused as she took aim at breaking it. After a long warm up, Willingham, along with four other girls, lined up at the starting line. When the gun went off, it was clear that Willingham was not going to be denied. At the midway mark, Willingham kept pace and looked strong. Coming off the turn and entering the final straight away, Willingham demonstrated why she has been rated a top runner in Orange County. Her form was perfect and her strength was showing. Each stride brought her closer to the finish and to her goal.
As she crossed the finish line, the crowd waited for the official time to be posted. The announcer revealed the new school record time of 57.21, which caused Willingham’s teammates to mob her.
Los Alamitos High’s sprint coach Holy Iris believes Willingham’s record-breaking performance will not be the last this season.
"I was estatic for Ashley,” said Iris, who is in her eighth season as the sprint coach at Los Al. “Ashley is such a hard working and dedicated individual that I think you will see more records fall. This won't be the last time Ashley's name will be mentioned. Look for Ashley Wallingham in the future. (She) is one of the most dedicated and hardest workers I have ever coached."
The boys later ran the varsity 800-meter race, which featured a handful of standout Griffins. Indeed. An impressive group of runners reported to the starting line to determine who would be the first to break the two-minute mark. The Griffins who competed in the heat included the following: sophomore sensation Thomas Heib, as well as seniors Paul Hall, Shane Hernandez and Ryan Collins.
The gun then fired and Heib went to the front and quickly opened up a 12-meter lead. Hw increased his pace, breaking from the second pack and began the chase after Heib. Passing the first lap in 56 seconds, Heib still held a two second lead over Hall. Down the back stretch, Heib maintained his speed, but Hall closed the gap.
Passing the 600-meter mark, the race became a two-runner show to break the two-minute time. Coming off the final turn, Hall had closed the gap to 5 meters, but Heib changed gears and crossed the finish line first. The crowd hushed as the official time was announced. Heib: 1:57.1. Hall: 1:58.3.
The crowd rose and cheered and with a show of great sportsmanship, the Laguna Hills team joined in applauding the great effort.
All four Los Al teammates hugged in celebration.
“Thomas and Paul just realized how good they really are,” head distance coach Jeff Tribole said. “Over the last month, Paul, Thomas, Shane and Ryan have raced as teammates in relays in the state indoor meet and selected invitationals. This is the first time they all have ever raced against each other. I was confident that the two minute barrier would fall,” Tribole said. “It is still very early in the season so I expect faster times will come.
“These four guys are setting new standards for Los Alamitos High school distance runners and I couldn't be more proud of them.”
On the field, Mackenna Howard, one of the top discus and shot putters in the nation, rang up another win in both events. Howard was all smiles as she announced that she had just signed a letter of intent to attend UNLV.
Sporting her Rebels shirt, Howard is looking forward to setting more school records before she heads off to begin her university life.
With new school records set, Los Alamitos High’s head track coach Nathan Howard has put together one of the better teams in schools history.
“We have a fine mix of young and old on both the boys and girls side this year,” Howard said. “And I expect both teams to compete for the league championship.”
